Musical Muses: Fashion Inspired by The Smiths
The Smiths have been hailed as one of the most important alternative rock bands to come out of England in the past few decades. With their everyman persona and heartfelt lyrics, The Smiths developed a cult following in the ’80s that continues to this day.
Comprised of Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce, the band only lasted until 1987, but created such enduring music during this short time that still inspires many musicians, artists, and writers decades later.
Outfit 1: “This Charming Man”
This first look is inspired by The Smiths’ geek-chic side. Morrissey was certainly a big fan of the look: he often wore wire-rimmed glasses with chunky sweaters and button-down shirts. The band members liked to wear somewhat basic clothing that corresponded with their stripped-down musical style. Channel their image with a shirtdress and boyfriend cardigan, beaded necklace, and clogs perfect for upcoming fall weather.
Product Information: Cardigan- Asos, Dress- Urban Outfitters, Necklace- Forever 21, Glasses- Urban Outfitters, Tights- Hue, Clogs- Payless.
Outfit 2: “What Difference Does It Make?”
This next outfit is inspired by the band’s grunge/punk image- ripped denim, leather jackets, slicked hair, and sunglasses all contributed to their look. They managed to be edgy and rebellious while singing emotional and sincere songs. To channel this aesthetic, layer studded, distressed accessories over a basic tee-and-jeans combo and top it all off with a leather jacket for a classically cool feel.
Product Information: Jacket- Banana Republic, Jeans- Akira Chicago, Shirt- Forever 21, Scarf- Miss Selfridge, Earrings- Forever 21, Sunglasses- Ray-Ban, Shoes- Forever 21.
Outfit 3: ”How Soon is Now?”
The fashion blogosphere could care less whether The Smiths have been broken up for over 20 years- the band’s T-shirts are more popular now than ever. There are scores of unique shirts featuring the band’s album art available on eBay. Snag one of those tops and pair it with high-waisted floral shorts, Keds, and kitsch jewelry, like a watch necklace.
Product Information: Ring- Modcloth, Sneakers- Piperlime, T-Shirt- Ebay, Shorts- ShopRuche, Belt- Modcloth, “How Soon is Owl” Necklace- Modcloth.
Do you love The Smiths?
Watch this video!
- “How Soon Is Now?”- The Smiths originally hated this unauthorized music video made by their record label. However, the moody, duotone images featuring the band playing and a girl dancing increased the band’s popularity in the U.S. and made the song a hit single with the college-aged crowd.
Listen to these songs!
- There Is a Light That Never Goes Out- One of The Smiths’ most famous songs, it featured their usual depressed characters, and some even say it was inspired by one of Morrissey’s idols, James Dean. The best thing about the song, though, is its message about enduring love.
- Girlfriend in a Coma- This song is short and sweet, mixing a beautiful melody with ironic, ambiguous lyrics.
- Ask- One of their more poppy and upbeat songs, “Ask” has a catchy tune and vocals.
Since The Smiths broke up in 1987, many band members have launched solo careers, and Morrissey and Marr both insist the band will never reunite. But if you want a taste of The Smiths today, Morrissey’s website states that he and his band will soon announce a 2010 tour, or you can buy some of these other Smiths-inspired items for your closet:
Product Information: Bracelet- Modcloth, Shorts- ShopRuche, Sneakers- Urban Outfitters, Belt- Modcloth, Boots- Forever 21, Earrings- Topshop, Purse- Forever 21, Jacket- Modcloth, Necklace- Forever 21, Shirt- Modcloth, Earrings- Zappos, Striped Shirt- Forever 21, Skirt- ShopRuche.
What do you think?
Are you a fan of The Smiths? How do you use music as fashion inspiration? What music artists would you like to see in a future post? Let me know with a comment!
Posted on on July 27, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: alternative music, band, England, Featured, music, music artists, musical muses, the smiths
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Erin
I love this post! The Smiths are one of my favourite bands. The geek-chic look is so cute and wearable.
I think R.E.M., U2 or Death Cab for Cutie would be great as well!
Heidi
i love the smiths!! yayy
thisizkim
super cute!
Alison
I love the Smiths and I love these outfits (especially outfit #1)! Great post!
Roni
I really like the third outfit (except for the pattern on the shorts), and I wish I had a pair of those shorts shown at the end of the post. Thanks for the great outfit suggestions!
Elle
Awesome post!!
karlee
the last outfit is my favorite! its so cute :)
Crystal - NYU
I love this post. I love The Smiths. I love you. Great job! My tattoo is actually a quote from “There’s a Light That Never Goes Out.” I just love that song so much. My mom would play The Smiths, The Cure and The Police in the car all the time when I was growing up. I love your outfit for “The Charming Man.”
Can I make a request? I think you should do The Police next :)
Shannon
I LOVE THE SMITHS!
Thank you so much for this post, it was awesome.
Shaylee
You guys are the best! The smiths are my favourite band and there is only so much one can do with a meat is murder tee. What a surprise though, most people look at me blankly when I mention them, and this happens frequently! My favourite song is Nowhere Fast :)
much love all the way from Australia xx
Elle Sees
omg the smiths. genius.
i nominate the cure!
Heather
absolutely love the smiths <3
this is a fantastic article!
Mary
I would die of happiness if a Siouxsie Sioux/The Cure post happened! I love the musical inspiration series…keep up the awesome work!
Mika
I LOVE The Smiths! Great post :)
Laura
AH the Smiths! LOVE!
Maybe Radiohead, Nirvana, the Cure, REM, Moby, etc…
Great Post! :]
Karissa
Great post! The outfit ideas are very creative and inspiring! I would kill for those floral shorts in outfit three :]
Devyn
I’ve yet to comment on any post, but for this I just had to! I LOVE the Smiths, and I literally gasped when I saw this on the homepage! GREAT post with adorable outfits – I especially love Outfit #2!
And I second Crystal’s suggestion about a fashion inspired by The Police post! :)
Evelina
I love these looks! The first and second one in particular, despite never hearing about The Smiths before. (shame on me… D: )
I just realized that “How Soon is Now” was used for Charmed – no wonder it sounds familiar… lol.
My personal favorite for bands would be U2 or Muse.
Kandice
Yay! I’m so happy you featured The Smiths! Morrissey is my favorite singer EVER and he never gets enough credit. Loved this article!
Megan - West Virginia University
I’m glad you all love The Smiths as much as I do!
I forgot to mention Johnny Marr recently worked with Hans Zimmer on the music for Inception, which is a really awesome soundtrack! You can read about their collaboration and listen to the score here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/07/inception-christopher-nolan-the-smiths-johnny-marr-hans-zimmer-and-johnny-marr-on-the-sound-of-inception-its-about-sadness.html
Thanks for commenting! :)
Rin from Books, Trends, and Sweat
I’ve never The Smiths’ music but I really like the looks you have put together.
Charlotte
I love this post!! The Smiths are such a huge inspiration for so much of the music we have these days. I went to see Morrissey live a few years ago and it was amazing!!
I love the third outfit and now really want that Smiths tshirt!!
Great to see some English love :]]] and they’re from near Manchester like me :]]]
Charlotte xxx
Angela
I LOVE that white Urban Outfitters dress, but the link directs me to Amazon and I can’t seem to find it on the UO site. Could someone link me to that dress?
Zephyr - CF Editor
Hey Angela – Fixed the link! Should work now. Thanks for letting me know!
Ashton
I am in love with all these looks! For the grungey 80′s look, you should check out this really cute distressed denim jacket!
http://www.poetrie.com/clothing/outerwear/the-delorean-denim-jacket.html